Tadeusz Kościuszko fought against the Russians for Poland's freedom and also in America against the British in order for us to be free of England's domination and unfair laws. It is very possible that, had it not been for his defenses at Saratoga, the British would have won what we call the Revolutionary War and we would still be a part of the British Commonwealth. For his contribution to American independence, General Kosciuszko is honored every year at West Point Military Academy, and Polish Americans are encouraged to attend.

This year's ceremony will take place on April 27, 2013 starting at 9:45 a.m. with Mass at the Catholic Chapel of the Holy Trinity. The Cadet Review and a spectacular parachuting exhibition follow at the The Plain with the Kosciuszko commemoration at his monument at noon. The Tenth Annual Kosciuszko Conference is being held the preceding day on Friday, April 26. Please check the website kosciuszkoatwestpoint.org or email fxgates2@aol.com for details.

Last year, on September 26, 2012, President Bronisław Komorowski of the Republic of Poland honored Tadeusz Kościuszko by laying a wreath at the foot of the Kosciuszko Monument. He was presented with a set of cadet swords by members of the West Point Kosciuszko Squadron. Polish scouts, Polish dancers, and representatives from area Polonia organizations were present. The Polonia Paderewski Chorus from New Britain, CT provided the musical backdrop.

Kościuszko's Monument is a pedestal and statue of Polish General Tadeusz Kościuszko at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Kościuszko designed the defenses of the West Point garrison from 1778–1780 during the height of the Revolutionary War, when George Washington considered West Point to be the most important military post in America. The pedestal and shaft of the monument were first proposed in 1825 by John Latrobe, and dedicated in 1828. The statue, designed by D. Borja, was later added in 1913.

The pedestal and shaft of this monument were erected by the Corps of Cadets of the U.S. Military Academy in 1828 to the memory of

the Polish American General

Thaddeus Kosciuszko

The statue of this Revolutionary hero was presented by the Polish clergy and laity of the United States and was unveiled with due ceremonies Sept. 1, 1913.

Brigadier General

Thaddeus Kosciuszko

1746 – 1817

Appointed Engineer-in-Charge

of

West Point fortifications

by

General Washington

in 1778

Erected by the Corps of Cadets

1828

ERECTED BY THE CORPS OF CADETS

1828

BELOW: President Bronisław Komorowski of the Republic of Poland honored Tadeusz Kościuszko at the West Point United States Military Academy.